Cooperative Ground‐Water Resources Management: Local Perspective

Abstract

Planning of water resources for municipalities requires the same engineering and management principles no matter at which government level it is conducted; however, there are some advantages to primary involvement at the local level. Local concern for environmental management has engaged citizens from nine municipalities in Bucks County, Pennsylvania to cooperate on ground-water resources planning and exploring the best approach to meet the needs of the area; and forming a committee that acts as a means for involving citizens and environmental groups, essential to the success of any water resources planning. The committee deliberates on ground-water issues such as planning ordinances, water conservation, protection of important recharge areas, drought management, and maximum ground-water withdrawal rates, which will be supported by the hydrologic system. As a consortium, the municipalities also initiated a hydrogeologic study. An additional impetus is the Pennsylvania Municipal Planning Code, which allows municipalities to manage ground-water resources to ensure their availability and quality.